Hypocrites!

Scripture Lessons

Joel 2:12-19

Psalm 51:1-19

2 Corinthians 5:20 – 6:10

Matthew 6:1-6,16-21

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

To be called a hypocrite is probably one of the worst insults of our day. In our culture, it’s ok for you to make a practice of all types of impious behavior. You can have a lifestyle that prior generations would have thought abhorrent. Today we’re more “accommodating.” “They’re gay, but they’re really nice people.” Or “He walked out on his family, but it’s because he has a lot going on. He needs understanding.” Or “He cheats on his taxes, but who doesn’t?”

On the other hand, to be considered a hypocrite is one of the worst insults to a person’s character. “He said don’t cuss, but I heard him cussing. What a hypocrite.” Or “She acts all holy and pious, going to church, praying, but I heard that she had a drinking problem. Hypocrite.” Or “He’s a pastor, but you should see the way that hypocrite drives.”

This thinking is problematic for us Christians. You see, we all confess to be sinners. We all fall short of the mark of perfection. So, to strive to live according to the law, to expect your children to follow the law, to encourage your friends to respect the law of God puts a bullseye on you. Since we are sinners, we are all destined to be labeled hypocrites. “You talk about God’s commandments, but you don’t follow them perfectly!”

People have sometimes commented, “I’m not coming to church, it’s full of hypocrites.” My friend Pastor Ben Dolby has a great response. “It’s not full of hypocrites. There’s always room for more.” Who would argue that we are not hypocrites? If we’re honest about ourselves, we would confess that we are hypocrites. But it’s better to be a faithful hypocrite than an unhypocritical heathen.

Jesus said, “When you give to the needy…when you pray…when you fast.” In other words, it’s not a question of whether or not you should fast, or pray, or give alms. It is assumed that you will do these things and Christians down through the ages have done so.

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” Some people don’t take the ashes because they think it is practicing your righteousness before others. That may be true, if you take the ashes so that you can march around town showing everyone how pious you are. On the other hand, if you received the ashes as a sober reminder of death, then it is a salutary thing.

“Sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others.” How do you respond to this condemnation of the hypocrite? Personally, I have evaluated my actions and motives in the past, and I have pronounced myself “not a hypocrite.” That’s because I did the good thing in secret and not for any public acclamation. You know what? That really gave me a sense of pride. I said to myself, “you’re a good guy!” Of course that makes me a hypocrite. In reality, the good thing I did was not enough. I gave of my plenty. I did not suffer hardship for it. I’m not a martyr.

What’s the point? Is this all about self-flagellation? Is the season of Lent, and Ash Wednesday in particular, a morose observance where we wallow in pity and despair since we’re so awful? Since we fall short of God’s glory?

The answer is no! The point of all this is that we enter a penitential season in order to remind ourselves of God’s great mercy and to train our flesh to recognize rightly that your treasure does not exist here on earth in the material blessings of this world. These are all passing away. Your treasure is in heaven. Christ is your treasure. Christ is God the Son. He is the one who lives always before the Father, making intercession for you. You fall short of glory, you stumble in your sin, you have excess pride, lust, anger, you name it, Jesus intercedes on your behalf. “Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.”

Yes, you have treasure. You are wealthy beyond all human comprehension because you have Christ and because God the Father has you, adopted in baptism as His beloved child. Strengthened and fed from the altar and pulpit in which you feast on His word and receive Christ’s very body and blood for the forgiveness of your sins.

Yes. You are a hypocrite. Be a faithful hypocrite. Confess your sin to God and receive His gracious mercy. Jesus died for hypocrites like you and me.

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.